Wayne Allen Ritter

Wayne Allen Ritter, 77, of Raleigh, NC, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 4th, 2023 at Transitions Hospice Care.

Together we remember and celebrate the life of a remarkable man, Wayne Allen Ritter. Wayne touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on his family, friends, and community. His journey was one of love, adventure, service, and a touch of humor that we will forever cherish.

Wayne's love story with Leigh Ann was nothing short of remarkable. Their connection was immediate, and they knew from the very beginning that they were meant to be together. In just one week, they were already talking about marriage. Together, they formed a modern-day Brady Bunch, blending their families into one beautiful unit.

Travel was a passion that defined Wayne's life. From Caribbean cruises to exploring the far reaches of the world, he and Leigh Ann embarked on countless adventures together. Whether it was Easter Island, French Polynesia, or the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, Wayne's curiosity and love for exploring new places were boundless. He even maintained a sense of humor when trapped on a cruise ship in Asia at the start of the pandemic, reminding us of his adventurous spirit.

Wayne's journey in the Army was one of dedication and achievement. Starting as a Private at the age of 18, he rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, CWO4, serving in the Criminal Investigative Division and being assigned to Delta Force. Along the way, he earned not only his Bachelors and Masters degrees but also a Masters in Forensic Science, demonstrating his commitment to excellence.

Beyond his military service, Wayne was a man of many talents. He was a geography whiz, a voracious reader of history books, and a trivia night champion. His knowledge was encyclopedic, and he shared it generously with others. Wayne's sense of community extended to his involvement as a Boy Scout Troop Leader and youth sports coach, where he mentored and guided young minds, instilling values of leadership and teamwork. His commitment to these roles exemplified his dedication to helping others succeed.

After his retirement from the Army, Wayne continued to serve, working for Allstate in their special investigative unit for 17 years. His connections within the investigative community highlighted his expertise and passion for making a difference.

Wayne was known for his generosity and his love for dogs, always asking, "What can I do for you?" His affinity for gardening and his love-hate relationship with squirrels showcased his connection to nature. He was a man of many interests, from fireworks to tech gadgets, and he had a knack for squirreling things away.

Let us also remember Wayne's sense of humor. He was the one who could lighten any mood, even in the most solemn of moments. His teasing and playfulness will be remembered with a smile.

We say goodbye to a man who lived life to the fullest, cherished his family, and left an indelible mark on all of us. Wayne's legacy of love, adventure, humor and service will continue to inspire us. Let us honor his memory by cherishing the moments we shared with him and striving to embody the qualities that made him so special.

Wayne is survived by his loving spouse, Leigh Ann Ritter, who stood by his side throughout their incredible journey. He leaves behind his children, Theresa, Christina (Kevin) White, Cindy, Carl (Megan Lucas Rossi) Taris, Marc Taris, and Jackson (Annie Klyce) all of whom he cherished deeply. He also held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, Ashley and Jeremy Taris. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Ethan Taris. He will also be missed by numerous other close relatives and friends who were touched by his warmth and sense of humor.

Wayne, you will be deeply missed, but your spirit lives on in our hearts.

Bright Funeral Home is caring for the Ritter family. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 16th at 11:00 a.m. in the Bright Funeral Home chapel. The family will receive visitors beginning at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.